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If you’re anything like I am, you have mixed feelings about New Year’s resolutions.

It seems like a natural time to make important changes. It’s like a universal pressing of the “reset” button. Maybe that’s why so many Americans make New Year’s resolutions in the first place. But here’s the thing, how many people are successful in achieving them? I’m definitely not one of them!

I suspect it has something to do with the nature of the resolutions themselves. My guess is the majority of people want to lose weight, fall in love, or win the lottery. Which is great! Let’s do it! Being happy and healthy is super important. But we shoot for the stars and we end up making it to the tree tops because we overwhelm ourselves with these HUGE goals. So, here are our tips on how to achieve your resolutions this year.

A) Start small. If you want to lose weight, signing up to run a marathon isn’t the best place to start. Try taking those dreaded stairs once or twice per week instead of riding the elevator. Or maybe you can shovel the driveway instead of digging that snowblower out of the corner of your garage the next time we get a snow storm. Are you sitting on the couch watching an episode of the Bachelor? Instead of forwarding through the commercials, do sit ups or leg raises during them, it’s an easy way to time yourself.

My point is, heading to the gym and thinking you have to spend hours there every day isn’t the only way to lose that weight, nor may it be the right way for you. There are tons of options to get yourself in the mindset of leading a healthy lifestyle, and it starts small. One pound at a time. Diving in head first doesn’t work for everyone and it could cause you to be overwhelmed and burnt out, therefore your interest is lost. Just remember to have fun with it!

B) Be honest with yourself. If you’ve never held a tennis racket, planning to win Wimbledon later this year might be a stretch. The same goes for your goals, and it’s okay if you don’t know all the answers right away. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and going into a new resolution with hopes too high will almost certainly result in letdown. Want to fall in love? Start by putting yourself out there and setting up an online dating profile. Reaching that first goal will provide a sense of accomplishment and keep your motivation up. Keep in mind that everyone who has ever achieved anything first had to start at the beginning.

C) Educate yourself. An old friend of mine had a sign hanging above her desk that read “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” Without the proper knowledge, you’re far more likely to fail in your new endeavors. (I personally need to educate myself on how to win the lottery. Step one: buy a ticket.) But really, you wouldn’t leave on a cross country road trip without a map, right? Well, you shouldn’t start a new goal without a good plan either. There are tons of free resources available today to help you find the answers to your questions.

D) Have fun. If you don’t remember anything from this article, at least remember this. If you don’t have fun with what you’re doing you’re just going to be stressed out and miserable. Don’t be miserable.

So there you have it! Shep’s tips on how to accomplish your New Year’s resolutions.

It’s a statement that I proudly declare every year as it begins to get cold.

But I’ve been straight up lying to myself!

I don’t love the dark mornings and even darker nights. Or trying to muster up the mental strength to get out of my car or even walk the dog!

But I do love the things associated with this chilly season… hot chocolate, movie nights, cozy blankets, and of course winter fashion!

So let’s get right to it, how the pros stay warm during the winter months (and how you should too).

An effective layering system is the key to staying comfortable throughout these notoriously cold Wisconsin winters. Everyone feels the cold differently, for example, I’m a freeze baby and am cold even on 70 degree days but then I walk outside and see people in shorts when it’s a whopping 14 degrees outside! Luckily a basic layering system will work for everyone.

1) First things first.. a good base layer

A base layer is your first line of defense against the cold. Base layers are designed to regulate your body temperature and should be close fitting to trap a thin layer of warm air against your skin. A base layer will also ‘wick’ away perspiration from the skin to keep you dry. Why is being dry so important? Because dry = warm. When it comes to base layers, read the tags! You’re looking for something that says Merino wool or Polyester. STAY AWAY FROM COTTON! Cotton holds moisture, therefore, you’re cold and crabby. Merino wool is popular as it’s naturally warm and has antibacterial qualities. Goodbye B.O.! Despite what you may have thought of wool in the past, merino wool is not itchy! So don’t let that scare you away, you’ll stay warm, dry, and itch free. I promise! Merino is your answer if you’re a freeze baby like I am, going hunting, going to a Packer Game, or doing something where you’re not working up a sweat. Polyester isn’t the warmest base layer but it’s great if you’re planning on being more active because it adjusts to the wearer’s heat and humidity. Walking the dog? Cutting wood? Ice Skating? Throw on your polyester base layer.

2) Mid layers – aka my favorite layer!

Just because you want to stay warm, doesn’t mean you have to look sporty all the time. Dress your mid layer up or down as much as you want! An effective mid layer will provide great insulation by working hand in hand with your base layer to trap air between layers, resulting in enhanced warmth and comfort. Fleece is the ideal mid layer, as it is lightweight and highly breathable. Warmth without weight is important otherwise we feel super restricted and no one wants that. It’s all about comfort, right? You don’t have to go out and buy a special mid layer either. Do you have a wool sweater in your closet? Maybe a cute down vest? Just don’t put the cotton shirt underneath it!

3) Last but surely not least, the outer layer

The outer layer is just like the windows in your house. You may have the best heating system in the neighborhood but if you’re by a window you’ll still get that unwelcoming chill. So naturally, what do you do? Shut the window curtain, right? It’s that one extra layer that helps keep the cold outside, where it belongs! Just think of the curtains being like your jacket. You can have the best jacket and snow pant in the world but they won’t do anything if you aren’t properly layered underneath, just like closing the curtain won’t keep you warm if you don’t have the furnace on. The base and mid layers wick away moisture and trap body heat while the outer layer is your main defense against the brutal Wisconsin elements. This snowproof, waterproof, and windproof layer is a lifesaver during those below zero windchill days! If you’re a freeze baby like I am, look for an insulated jacket and snow pant. This gives you one more layer of extra warmth. If you’re more active or are that person that wears shorts all year round, think about getting a shell. They have a similar feel to a rain jacket so they don’t give you extra insulation but they do protect you from the outside elements.

4) Don’t forget to accessorize!

Listen to your mom! Cover your head, neck, and hands, it makes a world of a difference.

And there you have it, the 411 on how to survive the winter months that seem to last a lifetime in the midwest.

Remember, it’s the little things that matter most during the holiday season.

Coworker treats, stocking stuffers, secret santa, a little something for your favorite barista at your coffee shop, and more. Don’t forget all the people on your list that can use a little pick-me-up this holiday season with these simple gifts that work for everyone.

Manzella Hybrid Ultra Touchtip Outdoor Gloves For Men

You can never go wrong with commuter gloves! Going outside to get the mail, start your car, take your dog on a walk, you name it, these are perfect! And the best part?! Save the hands from the bitter cold but still have all the functionality to use your phone, it’s a win-win!

Sale Price: $16.99

Gordini Fall Line Mitten For Women

Give the gift of warm hands this holiday season, she’ll love you for it!

You can NEVER have enough hats! I always said that I need one for every outfit, sometimes I want warm hats, sometimes I want dressy hats, big pom, no pom? I just always need more hats! And I know I’m not the only one, so when in doubt, grab a hat!

Sale Price: $9.99+

Terramar Ecolator Base Layers (Long Underwear)

Cold people are not happy people, so lets keep everyone happy and warm! These pieces are versatile enough to be worn as an outer or inner layer which makes these base layers the perfect top and bottom for any man, woman, or child.

Sale Price: $27.99

SE 3 Watt Headlamp

Runners, hunters, bikers, and nighttime lovers. This is the gift for them! It’s lightweight, adjustable, and it’s bright! 120 lumens to be exact. There will never be a dull moment again with this awesome stocking stuffer!

Sale Price: $4.50

Oakley E-Frame Goggle

We all know that one person. You know, the one that can never have enough snowboard or ski gear. Watch them jump for joy when they open this gift! Not only will they be the most stylish person on the hill but they’ll think of you every time they ride!

Sale Price: $29.99

Patagonia Tech Web Belt

There’s something about these belts that everyone loves. Maybe the awesome colors it comes in? Most likely the fact that it keeps everyone from seeing your underwear AND opens your beer bottles! WHAT?! Yes! You heard me, it opens your beer! So, if you were looking for any college kid, beer lover, tailgater, or just anyone in general, your search is over because this is your answer!

Sale Price: $29.99

Hydroflask 18oz. Standard Mouth Bottle

Once you go to an insulted water bottle, you never go back! Whether you’re out enjoying the warm sunny day on a boat ride, keeping your hot cocoa warm in the middle of winter, or trying not to spill all over yourself while doing some mountain biking, this is the perfect solution.

Sale Price: $29.99

Spacecraft Beer Can Glass

So these are just super cool!

Drink more of your favorite cold (or warm) beverages out of these custom Spacecraft glasses. Each glass features two engraved logos and holds 16oz of your favorite drink. Comes in a 4 pack limited edition box!

Sale Price: $19.99

Smartwool Socks

When in doubt, buy socks!

It’s time to relax with ample cushion, a soft Merino blend, a Virtually Seamless toe, and a decorative design to match any style. Your feet will stay happy all day, whether you’re playing cards, walking the lakeshore, or cozying up to the fireplace.

Sale Price: $20-$25

Outdoor Research Sensor Dry Pocket

Do you know someone who has a tendency to forget their phone in their pocket and jumps in the water with it? Maybe someone who does a lot of fishing, boating, hiking, camping, or vacationing? Help keep their gadgets safe and dry in the boat or on the trail. It protects touch-screen devices from the elements while still allowing for their use through its clear, waterproof, touch-sensitive window. The clear window wraps around to accommodate your devices’ camera lens.

Sale Price: $24

Dakine Micro Lock

We’re back to that person who can never have enough snowboard or ski gear! Are you ever on the hill and see someone carrying their gear with them everywhere they go? It’s probably because they are worried someone will take their awesome new skis or snowboard! Help them eliminate the worry and enjoy the atmosphere in peace with the Dakine Micro Lock.

Sale Price: $13

Patagonia Trucker Hat

Last but surely not least! The trucker hat we all know and love. Whether they’re out exploring or just going grocery shopping, this hat fixes any bad hair day!

“We respect the diversity of nature and all living things. Our earth is simply the most beautiful place in the universe and we only have this one. We do everything we can to protect it and we want to experience it and share it with others.” -Jack Wolfskin

And that is exactly what they do!

The brand’s entire product collection is 75% PFC-free (PFCs are pollutants that do not break down when released into the environment) and it’s a percentage that is continuing to rise. With that being said, in January 2016, Jack Wolfskin was the first brand to win the ISPO Eco Achievement Award, a distinction that, until now, only specific products had been recognized for.It was awarded because of Jack Wolfskin’s sustainability commitments, including exclusively using Organic Certified Cotton since 2013 and attaining the Fair Wear Foundation Award (labor conditions) multiple years in a row.

Outdoor enthusiasts around the world are recognizing this brand that started only in 1981, in a small German town. Jack Wolfskin is not only the largest outdoor brand in its home country, Germany, but also in Austria and Switzerland, and is in the top three brands in China.

But if this company is so renoun, why haven’t we heard about it in the United States?

Jack Wolfskin only brought this company to the states less than a year ago and it’s about to take off with outdoor chains itching to get their hands on it! As of now, there are only a handful of stores that carry this brand and Shepherd & Schaller in Wausau is one of the few! We are the only store in Wisconsin carrying the brand and we’re excited to share it with all of you!